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Sunday announcements |
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Oct. 20 • 2024
22nd Sunday after Pentecost
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Sermon:
‘For Whom It Has Been Prepared’
— The Rev. Alexandra Hutson,
pastor
Scripture:
Psalm 104:1–9 • Mark 10:25–45
■ Moment for young worshipers is also for the young-at-heart.
■ To join “live stream” worship, go to Facebook — Swift Presbyterian Church.
■ Worship services are available for viewing in the afternoon on the church website and YouTube.
■ Bulletins for today and recent weeks. Click here.
There will be a called congregational meeting on Sunday, Oct. 20, to elect the nominating committee that will seek candidates for church officers in the class of 2027.
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| Join us for fellowship in the fellowship hall immediately after the morning worship service.
If you would like to help the deacons provide fellowship treats (either a sweet or a protein or a fruit), please sign the list on the table in the fellowship hall, or contact Kathy Menk, 251-518-7966.
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Dear Swift Church family,
Paul wrote these words in 1 Thessalonians, Chapter 1, verses 2–3:
“2 We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly 3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”
I feel a lot like Paul. Every time I pray, I give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in my prayers. Following last Sunday, I am feeling overwhelmed with love and joy for each of you. I was surprised and honored to receive cards, gifts and flowers from you for Pastor Appreciation Day.
I have never felt as appreciated, loved, respected, and regarded as I do as the pastor of Swift Presbyterian. As someone who began ministry as young as I did and as a woman, I have often struggled with my pastoral authority, even doubting myself at times. I often felt like my young age was especially looked down upon as if it made me less of a pastor because of my lack of life experiences.
Your appreciation, love and respect for me has taught me the opposite. I feel trusted as your pastor despite my age. Instead, I see my age being re-framed into a new light: a gift that is full of energy, new and fresh ideas and many years ahead in ministry together.
Before I even began as your pastor, I felt uplifted by this congregation every time that I filled your pulpit. My love for you has only grown as we have begun our journey together in ministry.
You have not only welcomed me, but you have wrapped your arms around my entire family, nurturing them and loving them. You, my friends, are the Body of Christ and you live it out each and every day.
You are my most meaningful gift.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Peace and Love,
Rev. Alexandra Hutson
We will celebrate All Saints’ Day on Sunday, Nov. 3, as we remember the loved ones we have lost over the past year. Please turn in names of your loved ones to the church office or place your names in the offering place by Wednesday, Oct. 30.
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God is good all the time.
■ Intercessory prayer group meets each Wednesday at 9 a.m. in the chapel.
“Prayer is not designed to change God; it is designed to change us. Prayer is not calling God in to bless our activities. Rather, prayer takes us into God’s presence, shows us His will, and prepares us to obey Him.
— From Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby
■ Our food pantry is open to serve the community each Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m.
■ Session meeting — Monday, Oct. 21, at 4:30 p.m. in annex room 2
■ Fall events — Mark your calendars for these upcoming fall events. Look for more information, including time and locations, in upcoming announcements and newsletters.
Everyone is invited. Come join the fun!
| ►Christmas market dates to remember . . . | |
It’s almost here!
Lots of planning and preparing is taking place for our Christmas market, which will be held Saturday, Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you would like to be involved in planning, crafting, donating, contributing and helping with the market, please attend any or all of our meetings and craft times.
Come join the fun!
● Christmas market planning meeting — Thursday, Oct. 31, at 10 a.m. in the fellowship hall
For more information, contact any of the marketplace committee members — Susie Alexander, Janelle Armbruster, Karen Langley, and Kathy Menk.
| ►Christmas market garage sale items | |
If you have any gently used items and would like to donate them to the marketplace funds, we will be selling them at the GlenLakes community garage sales on Saturday, Oct. 26.
You can bring them to Kathy Menk’s house, 9010 Fairway Drive, on Thursday, Oct. 24, or Friday, Oct. 25.
Contact Kathy at 251-518-7966 if you have questions.
| ►Christmas market raffle and flyers | |
We are fortunate to have several beautiful items donated for raffle at our Christmas market! Tickets will be sold in advance and on the day of the market. The drawing will take place prior to closing at the Christmas market.
If you’re willing to help sell tickets for the raffle, please pick up a packet in the fellowship hall this Sunday. Instructions, raffle information and tickets are included in the packet. Questions? Please contact any of the marketplace Committee members listed above.
Also ... flyers are available to pick up to distribute around town at local businesses, libraries, restaurants and anywhere that is willing to display the flyer. Please help spread the word about Swift Church Christmas Market
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The food pantry is open every Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. to serve the community.
This week, we served 59 families and 206 people.
If you are interested in helping or know of someone who might be interested, please consider getting involved or at least share the opportunity to volunteer with others.
If you have questions or want to volunteer, please contact Jan Taylor (251‑978‑6418).
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| ►‘Snacks with Susan and Daryl’ discussion class | |
You fear you won’t make it through. We all do. We fear that the depression will never lift, the yelling will never stop, the pain will never leave. In the pits, surrounded by steep walls and aching reminders, we wonder: Will this gray sky ever brighten? This load ever lighten?
Join Snacks with Susan and Daryl on Sunday mornings for a new series by Max Lucado, “You’ll Get Through This (Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times).”
The sessions include:
● You’ll Get Through This
● Down and Out, but Never Alone
● Stupid Won’t Fix Stupid
● Is God Good When Life Isn’t?
● Now, About Those Family Scandals and Scoundrels
● God Can Use This for Good
The class meets at 9:00 in annex room 4.
| ►Adult Bible study class, led by Bill and Catherine | |
Join us as we continue our study of the book of Exodus.
We meet at 9 a.m. in annex room 2.
| ►Youth Sunday school class, led by Sheree Waters | |
Join us as we study the Bible together. We meet at 8 a.m. in annex room 3.
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Thank you for your generous pledges and ongoing offerings. Your support and commitment to Swift Church is greatly appreciated.
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Prayers and joys
| ►Please let us know . . . | |
Please call the church or email to notify us of any joys or concerns; birthdays, anniversaries, health issues or family deaths so that we may put it in the weekly emailed announcements for your church family to pray with you or to praise God for your joy. (We don’t publish personal prayer concerns on the website.)
■ The LeDrews are expecting a second great-grandchild.
■ Sena Cooper’s friend Michelle worshiped with us.
■ Cindy Doney, from food pantry, has quit smoking because of our prayers.
■ It’s a joy to see and hear
young worshipers in church.
Dear Swift family,
I would like to thank Randy and Susan for the wonderful communion service they did for Elinor and me at my home [Oct. 6]. And thank you to all those members that signed the nicely decorated board with the prayers and good wishes. I really miss my wonderful church and all the members every week. I hope to be able to return soon. May God bless everyone. My prayers are with you all.
Chick Kaechele
►Please remember our military friends
and families in your prayers. | |
Names are listed in the monthly newsletter.
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If you would like to place flowers on the chancel to honor or celebrate a loved one or a special occasion or “just because,” please contact Susie Alexander at 251-943-4145 or 217-246-4051.
Are you willing to serve as a liturgist, acolyte or greeter/usher? Contact Marvin King or Eunice Ray, worship elders.
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| ►Church staff and contact information | |
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